Why short letting is one of the smartest investments in 2026?

Why More Landlords Are Choosing Serviced Accommodation Over Traditional Lettings in 2026?


With rising costs, increasing regulation, and the upcoming Renters' Rights reforms, many landlords are asking the same question:


Is traditional buy-to-let still the best use of my property?


For many property owners, the answer is increasingly no.

Across London, Brighton, Hove, Worthing and the wider South Coast, landlords are turning to professionally managed serviced accommodation as a way to increase income, maintain flexibility, and reduce many of the frustrations associated with long-term tenancies.


At StaySéjour, we help landlords unlock the full earning potential of their properties through carefully managed short and mid-term stays for professionals, contractors, families relocating, and corporate guests.

Here's why more landlords are making the switch.


1. Generate Higher Returns Than Traditional Lettings

One of the biggest advantages of serviced accommodation is the potential to significantly outperform a traditional AST.Rather than receiving a fixed monthly rent, your property can benefit from:


  • Dynamic pricing based on demand
  • Premium rates during peak periods
  • Multiple booking opportunities throughout the year
  • Access to corporate and professional guests willing to pay more for quality accommodation


Many properties can achieve substantially higher gross revenues compared to a standard tenancy when professionally managed and marketed correctly. At StaySéjour, we utilise advanced pricing software, market data, and distribution across 30+ booking platforms to maximise both occupancy and nightly rates.


2. Maintain Greater Control of Your Property

Traditional tenancies can leave landlords feeling locked in, particularly as legislation continues to evolve.

With serviced accommodation, you retain greater flexibility over your asset:


  • Access your property when required
  • Sell the property without waiting for lengthy tenancy periods to end
  • Adjust your strategy as market conditions change
  • Avoid becoming reliant on a single tenant


For landlords who value flexibility, serviced accommodation provides a modern alternative to the traditional rental model.


3. Professional Guests, Longer Stays

A common misconception is that serviced accommodation is primarily aimed at holidaymakers.

In reality, a significant proportion of our bookings come from:


  • Contractors working on local projects
  • Business travellers
  • Families relocating
  • Insurance stays
  • TV and film production crews
  • Professionals requiring temporary accommodation


These guests often stay for weeks or even months at a time, providing landlords with consistent income while reducing the number of guest changeovers. Our focus is on attracting responsible, professional guests who treat properties with respect.


4. Your Property Is Regularly Maintained

Unlike many traditional rentals where issues can go unnoticed for months, serviced accommodation benefits from regular oversight.


Every stay includes:

  • Professional cleaning
  • Regular inspections
  • Prompt reporting of maintenance issues
  • Ongoing monitoring of property condition


This proactive approach allows small issues to be identified early before they become costly repairs.

Many landlords find their properties are actually better maintained under a professionally managed serviced accommodation model than under a long-term tenancy.


5. Completely Hands-Off Management

Managing guests, enquiries, cleaners, maintenance and pricing can seem overwhelming.

That's where StaySéjour comes in. Our fully managed service includes:


  • Guest communication 24/7
  • Dynamic pricing management
  • Professional photography and listings
  • Multi-platform marketing
  • Cleaning and linen coordination
  • Maintenance coordination
  • Monthly reporting
  • Owner portal access with real-time performance tracking


Whether you're a local landlord or based overseas, we handle the day-to-day operations so you don't have to.


6. A Smarter Strategy in a Changing Market

The property market is evolving. Rising compliance requirements, changing legislation and increasing operating costs are causing many landlords to reassess their investment strategy. Serviced accommodation offers:


  • Greater flexibility
  • Higher income potential
  • More control over your asset
  • Reduced reliance on a single tenant
  • Professional management and oversight

For many landlords, it represents a modern and resilient approach to property investment.


The Bottom Line

Serviced accommodation is no longer just an alternative to traditional letting—it's becoming the preferred strategy for landlords who want stronger returns without sacrificing control.

At StaySéjour, we specialise in helping landlords maximise their property's performance through longer-term professional stays, proactive management, and complete transparency.

If you're considering switching from a traditional tenancy, or simply want to understand what your property could achieve, we'd be happy to provide a free income assessment.

Discover what your property could earn with StaySéjour.

The rental market continues to evolve, and in 2026, more landlords than ever are exploring serviced
By antoinefuller June 30, 2026
The rental market continues to evolve, and in 2026, more landlords than ever are exploring serviced accommodation as an alternative to traditional long-term tenancies. Rising demand from business travellers, contractors, relocating families, and professionals is creating new opportunities for property owners.
By undefined June 26, 2026
Why Contractors Make the Best Guests for Property Owners When many landlords think about short-term rentals, they immediately picture holidaymakers and weekend visitors. At StaySéjour , our approach is different. We specialise in welcoming contractors, professionals, and corporate guests staying for weeks or even months at a time. Not only does this create more stable occupancy, but it also provides a better experience for landlords, neighbours, and the guests themselves. Here's why contractors consistently make some of the best guests. 1. Longer Stays Mean More Reliable Income Unlike leisure travellers who may stay for just a few nights, contractors often require accommodation for several weeks or months. This provides landlords with: Predictable monthly income Fewer vacant nights Reduced marketing costs Less administrative work Greater financial stability A single eight-week contractor booking through StaySéjour can often be more valuable than numerous short weekend stays. 2. They Treat Properties Like Homes  Contractors typically spend long days working and simply want a comfortable, clean place to relax in the evenings. Most are: Out of the property during working hours Respectful of neighbours Unlikely to host parties or events Looking for convenience rather than luxury Focused on work commitments This often results in significantly less wear and tear compared to traditional holiday accommodation. At StaySéjour , we carefully vet our guests and work with reputable businesses and organisations to ensure properties are occupied by reliable professionals. 3. Midweek Demand Keeps Occupancy Strong One of the major advantages of contractor accommodation is consistent demand throughout the year. Industries driving this demand include: Construction projects Infrastructure improvements Renewable energy developments Healthcare and NHS contracts Film and television productions Engineering and maintenance work These sectors continue operating regardless of tourist seasons, helping properties maintain strong occupancy even during quieter months. This is one of the reasons why StaySéjour focuses heavily on longer-stay and corporate bookings rather than relying solely on holidaymakers. 4. Fewer Check-Ins and Lower Operational Costs Longer stays naturally reduce operational requirements. Benefits include: Fewer cleaning changeovers Lower laundry expenses Reduced guest communication Less frequent maintenance issues Improved efficiency for property management For landlords, this means lower costs and fewer disruptions while maintaining healthy revenues. Our fully managed service at StaySéjour ensures everything from guest communication to cleaning and maintenance is handled on your behalf. 5. Properties Can Be Tailored to Contractor Needs Simple additions can make a property significantly more attractive to professional guests. Features contractors value include: Fast and reliable Wi-Fi Dedicated workspace areas Off-street parking Fully equipped kitchens Washing machines and tumble dryers Flexible sleeping arrangements Smart TVs and comfortable communal spaces These practical touches often generate repeat bookings and long-term relationships with companies. The StaySéjour team works closely with landlords to ensure their properties are optimised for the contractor and corporate market. How StaySéjour Attracts Contractor Bookings Contractor accommodation is a core part of the StaySéjour business model. We actively market our properties through: Corporate booking channels Contractor accommodation networks Direct relationships with businesses Relocation partnerships Film and television contacts Distribution across 30+ booking websites Our focus isn't simply to fill calendars. We aim to secure reliable, longer-term guests that maximise income while reducing the day-to-day pressures traditionally associated with short-term rentals. By targeting professionals and contractors, StaySéjour delivers stronger occupancy, higher-quality guests, and a more hands-off experience for property owners. Is Your Property Suitable for Contractors? Many landlords are surprised to discover how well their properties suit the contractor market. Whether you own a city apartment, family home, or larger property with multiple bedrooms, there may be significant demand from professionals looking for quality accommodation. At StaySéjour , we provide free, no-obligation income assessments to help landlords understand their property's true earning potential. If you're considering short or mid-term letting, get in touch with the team today to see how we can help maximise your returns while taking care of the day-to-day management.
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